My wish for you all for today, and for tomorrow

[Rorey]

I wish you all serenity and peace in whatever way you can attain it. Some of us will have joyous gatherings with family and friends, and some of us will have quiet time alone, not always by choice. For some of us, these holidays are a time of anticipation, and for others they're a time we dread. Whatever category you're in, I'm thinking about you.

[Hortensis]

1. :) Nice. Same to you and everyone else, Rorey.

[Rorey]

3. Thank you

I sort of fall into the "by choice" category, and then I feel guilty about it knowing that I'm going to enjoy the part of it that I get to spend alone when there are others who would give anything to have someone with whom to spend their day.

[Siwsan]

2. Lovely sentiment!

I lost my love of Christmas when my dad died. He made the season so special. Ever since, I've just been putting on a brave face and going through the motions because it's what my remaining family expects.

Also, I'm the only one who knows how to make the traditional Christmas Eve pea and mushroom soup so opting out of the 'celebrations' would cause a family revolt.

So, dinner at my house, tonight and dinner at my niece's house, tomorrow. I'll be spending Boxing Day in bed. It takes a toll.

[Rorey]

4. I understand.

My dad died on December 23rd, 14 years ago. In the days before his death he kept apologizing for keeping me from spending Christmas with my husband and kids, who were a thousand miles away. But I was right where I wanted to be....with my dad.

[Siwsan]

11. This year I lost my uncle and cousin.

I was expecting the news on my uncle. He had Alzheimer's (the family curse). My cousin was a suicide. I lost a brother to suicide and my mom to Alzheimer's so along with missing my Dad, these other deaths have drawn me into some sad nostalgia.

[Rorey]

6. And pea and mushroom soup sounds yummy NT

[peacebuzzard]

8. that soup sounds great. I am sorry for the loss of your dad.

I have lost some loved ones recently which makes the season gloomy.
I would love to know the soup recipe.
I am laying low this Christmas due to an illness (not serious) but I am enjoying some boxed soups.
Your recipe sounds very enticing.

[Siwsan]

10. The soup is some sort of Eastern European tradition

Apparently eating meat on Christmas Eve was a no-no. Diced potatoes and onions are cooked until barely done. Retain the water and add cans of peas are mushrooms. The trick is the roux. It has to be cooked until it's somewhere between the color of ginger ale and coke. Then the roux is stirred into the soup.

It's funny - I have the recipe that my aunt typed out and it's one of those "use your own judgement" kind of things, when it comes to the amounts of ANY of the ingredients. I finally got the roux right, last year.

When I was "in" to Christmas, I was far more enticed by the British cuisine of roast beef and yorkshire pudding, with trifle for dessert. So, that's what my niece is going to serve, tomorrow. Well, she doesn't know about the yorkshire pudding, yet. That, and the trifle, are my contributions.

[peacebuzzard]

13. thanks for this. I will have to try it.

sounds lovely.

[Rorey]

14. I'm definitely going to try to make that

I haven't eaten meat in decades, so it's always a no-no for me.

So you cook the diced potatoes and onions in water? You don't saute? And the roux? No thickener, like flour?

I'm going to the store soon, but I actually may already have all of the ingredients if that's all there is to it.

[Siwsan]

17. Cook them in water but don't drain, when they are done

You can remove some liquid and add it back in, if necessary. The roux is the traditional butter/flour. It has to 'brown' but not burn. That gives it a lot of the flavor. Also, don't drain the peas or mushrooms. That liquid also helps make the broth.

[Rorey]

19. Thank you! NT

[Siwsan]

20. You are most welcome!!

Good luck!

[Ohiogal]

5. Thank you Rorey

I think you covered all the bases nicely.

Happy Holidays to you.

[Rorey]

7. Sometimes I just want people to know

Even when they're alone, they're not really alone.

It's hard to explain.

Happy Holidays to you.

[Delphinus]

9. Many thanks.

Not being a Christian, this time makes me feel quite alone, very much the outsider. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

May all have a day filled with what is needed.

[Rorey]

15. "May all have a day filled with what is needed."

That's perfect. I love it.

[CaptainTruth]

12. Thank you. I wish the same to you & all my friends.

[Rorey]

16. I always check in here at DU during the holidays

I truly consider folks here to be my friends. I really don't post much, but part of every day is spent hanging out here.

[Scarsdale]

18. Me too.

Certainly helps to know you are with people who feel the same way you do, especially about politics. At times, I wonder if the republican voters are really sane. Imagine voting for a man as crooked as tRump, and actually being proud of it? Anyway, I want everyone to enjoy their day however they see fit. Be happy in your own world. That pea/mushroom soup does sound yummy. Happy holidays to all.

[Poiuyt]

22. DU is like family to me!

I hope you and everyone here has a wonderful holiday.

[Karadeniz]

21. Thanks for thinking of us...happy holidays!❤